Satellite images have revealed a highly secretive American weapon resembling "Star Wars" technology, which has become visible to the public after being spotted on Google Maps. This weapon is said to be an advanced American project aimed at strategic deterrence in response to Russian and Chinese advancements in this field. According to the New York Post, the prototype of the weapon, named "Manta Ray," which derives its name from "devil fish," resembles an underwater drone. While its dimensions are not disclosed, the uncrewed vehicle is considered "very large" in military terms, dwarfing nearby personnel and vessels.
Information available indicates that the vehicle can be easily disassembled and reassembled in the field. The prototype of "Manta Ray" was shipped across the country in parts for evaluations at sea earlier this year. The vessel glides through the water, diving beneath the waves and surfacing in its segment, leaving minimal traces behind.
Unprecedented Features
Google Maps information indicates that the new secret weapon was docked at Naval Base Port Hueneme in California on Sunday, standing out significantly from the surrounding military vessels.
The sleek-looking submarine "Manta Ray" is named after the marine creature "devil fish" for its elegant design and ability to position itself deep underwater while operating in low-power mode. Its modular design enables easy disassembly and transport in standard shipping containers, eliminating the need for dedicated port facilities.
Produced by Northrop Grumman, "Manta Ray" is part of a U.S. Navy project to develop long-range underwater weapons that began in 2020. It is described as an advanced unmanned aircraft capable of remaining at the sea floor "for very long periods" without refueling, with minimal human interaction.
Kyle Warner, the program director for "Manta Ray" at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, states it uses "efficient gliding based on buoyancy to move through the water." Warner adds, "The successful, extensive testing of Manta Ray confirms the vehicle's readiness for real-world operations."
Keeping Up with Russian Advances
According to The Telegraph, the Navy has spent more than three months testing the vehicle off the Southern California coast. Military experts point out that the U.S. Navy's pursuit of drone technology aims to serve as a strategic countermeasure to Russian and Chinese submarine operations.
The Russians are developing their own underwater drones and announced last year plans to acquire nearly thirty of these vessels. According to media reports, Russia's drones have a range of about 6,200 miles, can be armed with nuclear weapons, and can reach speeds of up to 100 knots, or approximately 115 miles per hour.
Underwater Warfare
Naval drones are reshaping naval combat, possessing the ability to sink massive warships using far smaller and much cheaper technology. The completed prototype of "Manta Ray" was showcased during the Maritime, Air, and Space Defense Conference in National Harbor, Maryland.
Further testing of the new American weapon is expected, in addition to ongoing dialogue between the Navy and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.